The beautiful color of the creamy pumpkin against the green leeks and pasta bits makes this delicately flavored but hearty soup as visually appealing as it is delicious. Instead of the small pasta called pastina, you can use another member of the pasta family, from tiny noodles to small elbows to broken pieces of spaghetti.

Place the leeks in a large pot with the butter and oil and sauté over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until they begin to sizzle lightly.

Meanwhile, with a sharp knife, carefully peel the tough outer skin from the pumpkin. (You should have about 1½ pounds pumpkin flesh.) Remove the seeds (which can be roasted as a snack) and cut the flesh into ½-inch pieces. (You should have about 5½ cups.)

Add the cubed pumpkin, chicken stock, water, and salt to the leeks, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and cook at a gentle boil for 30 minutes.

Add the pastina and cook for 10 minutes longer. Stir and serve immediately.

by Jacques Pépin

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